Her Christmas Cowboy

by Maggie Carpenter

  “Please, I’m a guy,” he grinned shooting her a look.

  “Yeah, but you’re a sweet guy.”

  “If you say so,” he said putting his arm around her. “Let’s check the inside. Up here I only have this television, but downstairs in my office I have monitors so I can watch several places at once.”

  “How much fun is this?” she giggled.

  Switching cameras he studied the bar area and the kitchen. Everything looked exactly as it should, and he tuned back into the local news station.

  “Okay, I’m gonna jump in the shower,” he declared, handing her the remote. “I’d invite you to join me but if I do we’ll never get outta here.”

  “No, we wouldn’t,” she agreed raising her eyebrows.

  “I just had a thought,” he said as he slipped out of bed. “That mall in Clearview will be open tomorrow, and I’ll bet they’ll have a bunch of after-Christmas sales.”

  “You’re right. They will,” she exclaimed, “but shoot, I don’t want to run into those brothers.”

  “I doubt they’ll be there for sales,” he remarked. “Besides, I’ll be with you, and if they see me they’ll run the other way.”

  “My hero,” she laughed.

  “All in the line of duty, ma’am. I’ll be back in a minute,”

  She watched him close the bathroom door, then sighing happily she laid back down to idly watch the news.

  Turning on the faucets Connor stepped into the shower and began humming, We Danced, as he soaped himself. April was everything he’d imagined, and more. That she was a horse professional was almost too good to be true. Once the ranch was ready he’d be looking for mares and a couple of stallions, and though he didn’t want to get ahead of himself, he could easily imagine the life they could share.

  “But dammit, she lives five hours away,” he muttered as he rinsed the shampoo out of his hair. “How’s that’s gonna work? A day at a time, I guess. If it’s meant to be…”

  Shutting off the water he moved out of the stall, dried off and wrapped the towel around his waist, and had just run a comb through his mop of hair when he heard April calling him.

  “Connor, Connor, come quick.”

  Her voice sounded urgent, and opening the door he found her with a pained expression on her face.

  “What is it?”

  “I’m a wanted woman,” she exclaimed, her voice filled with panic. “What am I going to do?”

  “Hey, easy there,” he said calmly. “Take a deep breath and slowly tell me what you’re talkin’ about.”

  “My picture and name, it was on TV, and the reporter said I’m wanted for stealing a car. The Churchill’s went to the police.”

  “What? Those sons-of-bitches,” he scowled.

  “What should I do? The reporter said I’m dangerous.”

  “Dangerous?”

  “Yes. He said I’m to be considered unstable and should not be approached, and if anyone sees me, they’re to call the police.”

  “Dammit,” Connor said with a deep frown.

  “What,” she asked, her voice rising. “What are you thinking?”

  “Becky, the waitress at the diner. She’s a sweetheart and a friend of mine, but if she saw that news report she might-“

  As if on cue the ringing of his cellphone interrupted him, and hurrying to pick it up he frowned as he saw the caller.

  “Who is it?” April asked, her voice filled with worry.

  “Speak of the devil,” Connor replied, then hitting, ACCEPT, he answered the call. “Hello, Becky. What’s up?”

  “Connor, have you seen the news?” she asked urgently.

  “Why?”

  “That girl you were with, she stole a car and she’s wanted by the police. You should call them.”

  Connor’s mind went into overdrive. He didn’t want Becky to lie for him, and he didn’t want to lie to her, but he had to protect April until he could sort out the mess.

  “Becky, you know I’m a good guy, right?”

  “Are you kiddin’, you’re the best.”

  “I’m gonna tell you the truth. The girl on the TV, April Anderson, is not unstable, and she didn’t steal a car, not technically. Do you know who the Churchill’s are?”

  “Of course.”

  “She had a problem with them and she-“

  “I’m not surprised to hear that,” Becky interjected. “They’re strange. Two of the brothers were in the diner today when you were. Hey, I remember now, you were talkin’ to one of them.”

  “Yep. I’m sorry, Becky, I can’t go into details, but believe me when I tell you that April did nothin’ wrong. If the police should get in touch with you I don’t want you to lie. I would never put you in that position.”

  “I’ll only tell them I saw you together if they contact me and ask,” she said firmly. “I won’t call them. If you say she’s cool, then she’s cool.”

  “Thanks, Becky. You’re a doll.”

  “You’re welcome, and if you see her, tell her I hope everything works out.”

  Ending the call he looked up and saw April sitting on the edge of the bed, her face ashen, and her blue eyes clouded in fear.

  “If she saw me, so did a bunch of other people. The police will come here, they’ll handcuff me, they’ll take me away. I did steal that car. Shit. What am I going to do?”

  “First off, if anyone’s gonna do any handcuffin’ around here, it’s gonna be me,” he said, hoping some levity might help.

  She stared back at him, the sides of her lips curling in a weak smile.

  “Hey, it’s gonna be fine,” he continued, sitting next to her and putting his arm around her shoulders. “You texted Richard and told him where the car was, so I’m not sure it can be classified as stolen.”

  “That’s right,” she said hopefully. “I’d forgotten.”

  “You’re gonna come with me and have a real nice Christmas dinner, then I’m gonna call Wes Baxter. He’s the Chief of Police here and a good friend. We’ll sort this out, but not till after we’ve had a real happy day. Got it?”

  She nodded her head, then leaned into his arms.

  “Please tell me again everything will be okay.”

  “Of course it will. Remember what I said? I’m a take-care-of-things kinda guy, and I’ll take care of this. It’ll all work itself out. Do you believe me?”

  “I do, Connor. I do believe you. I just hope the Churchill’s don’t have so much clout that they can just ramrod me into jail.”

  “Hey. We’ve got Christmas magic on our side, remember? Think about all the crazy things have have happened to bring us together. It’s not gonna fall apart now.”

  “Thank you for saying that,” she sighed. “We do have something amazing happening, and you’re right. It’s not going to fall apart now. No way. Maybe there’s another end to all this madness. I just have to keep the faith.”

  “That’s my girl,” he smiled, kissing her lightly, and I sure hope you’re right, and that endin’ is a happy one.

  CHAPTER NINE

  April had been able to repair her ripped bra, and though Connor appeared unruffled as he loaded the car and headed off to Lance and Annabelle’s for Christmas dinner, he was breathing easier as he pulled away from his house. He’d half-expected a police car to roll up to his gates. As the owner of a successful bar he’d made friends with the local cops, but would his word be enough for them to believe April’s story? She was a stranger in town, and as Lance had reminded him, the Churchill family had powerful friends.

  It was only a ten minute drive to Lance’s ranch, and as they turned up his driveway April gazed out her window at the large paddocks with natural wood fencing, and the horses happily frolicking in the snow.

  “What a gorgeous sight,” she breathed. “Horses allowed to be horses. Every time I’m out in the country like this it feeds my soul. I’m so tired of the city.”

  “I have to be out here,” Connor softly remarked. “I don’t know why a country boy like me was born int
o noisy traffic and steel mountains, but at least I was able to get out.”

  “Don’t you miss your family?”

  “Sure, but I get back when I can, and they love comin’ out to visit,” he replied, then pointing forward he said, “look, there’s the welcome wagon.”

  Peering through the windscreen she saw a herd of dogs, and as they drew closer the excited canines began kicking up a ruckus, barking and running around the car.

  “Oh, my, gosh, how many do they have?” April laughed.

  “Too many,” Connor grinned, “and they’re givin’ the kids a new puppy today.”

  “Another one. Why?”

  “Because the oldest is gettin’ her first pony. It’s a consolation prize for the younger two. It’s a small breed lap dog though.”

  “Good grief. That poor puppy. I hope he doesn’t get eaten alive!”

  “No kiddin’!” Connor chuckled.

  “Why don’t you have a dog?” she asked, totally entertained as she watched a hound that appeared to have a dozen breeds in him gallop to the front door and bark furiously to announce their arrival.

  “I want one real bad, but I have to be at the bar all the time. The minute I’m able to give a pet the attention it deserves, I’ll be off to the animal shelter.”

  “I hope I’m here when you do that. I’d love to help you.”

  “I’ll make sure you are,” he promised.

  He stopped the car, and as she climbed out April saw the front door open. Suddenly the dogs went crazy, racing up to meet the burly cowboy who stepped out on to the porch. He was wearing a Santa hat, a bright red sweater, and a wide grin, and he waved as he started walking through the pack of canines surrounding him.

  “Merry Christmas you two!” he said happily as he approached. “You must be April. Good to meet you. I’m Lance.”

  April liked him immediately. His brown eyes were warm and welcoming, and it was obvious he was confident and comfortable in his skin.

  “Hi Lance. It’s great to meet you as well,” she replied, trying to pet each of the dogs as she stepped forward. “This is an amazing place you have here, and what a wonderful group of pooches.”

  “I’d tell you their names but I’m not sure I even remember,” he laughed. “Don’t tell the kids though. They’ll never forgive me.”

  “Can you give me a hand?” Connor asked, trying to pull a box of gifts from the back seat but having a tough time surrounded by the buoyant bevy of hounds.

  “Uncle Connor! Uncle Connor!”

  April laughed in delight as three bubbling children came running down the front steps to welcome them. As Lance moved the dogs out of the way and helped Connor with the boxes, the oldest child introduced herself as Izzy. She was bright and talkative, and took April’s hand and led her into the house, chattering away about what she was expecting from Santa Claus. Walking into the foyer April was greeted by the smell of Christmas; cinnamon, peppermint, and a mix of aromas emanating from the kitchen. Glancing into the large living room she spied a decorated tree, under which were scores of gifts.

  “I thought you had only one brother and one sister,” she said to Izzy who was pulling her towards it.

  “That’s right,” the little girl answered. “Why do you think I have more?”

  “All those presents? They can’t all be for just three children,” April teased. “If they are, you’re a very lucky girl.”

  Not knowing what to say Izzy started giggling, and a moment later Annabelle appeared from the kitchen wiping her hands with a towel.

  “Hi, April. Welcome. I’m Annabelle. I hope it’s not too crazy for you. We’re a bit of a wild bunch at Christmas time.”

  “Not at all,” April beamed. “I think it’s wonderful.”

  “Can I get you some eggnog, or coffee? What would you like?”

  “Whatever you have that’s easy,” April replied. “Can I help you? Is there anything I can do?”

  “Nope, it’s all under control. Izzy here is my very excellent assistant, and we did most of it last night, right, Izzy?”

  “Uh-huh, and I made the dressing. It’s really good.”

  “But you’re welcome to come on back with me,” Annabelle offered. “I’m still mixing up a few last minute bits and pieces.”

  Lance and Connor lumbered up behind them, and as they carried the boxes across the room and unloaded the gifts to join to the pile, April followed Annabelle and Izzy into the kitchen. The other two children hung around the tree trying to guess what their Uncle Connor had brought them, and Connor took the opportunity to quietly bring Lance up to date with the latest developments. When he finished with the surprise announcement on television describing April as a car thief and an unstable woman on the run, Lance shook his head in dismay.

  “That’s exactly the sorta thing the Churchill’s would do,” he remarked. “I’m surprised they haven’t pressed charges against you as well. Did anyone see you deck those two guys?”

  “There were a few people around but they were walkin’ in the opposite direction, and I was far enough away from the diner that no-one there would’ve seen what happened,” Connor said confidently. “Besides, it was over in seconds. I was outta sight before either of them had even lifted their eyes.”

  “That’s good,” Lance frowned, “and probably why Wes or one of his boys wasn’t knockin’ on your door this mornin’. Mind you, it’s Christmas day. They may have you on their visitin’ list for tomorrow.”

  They stopped talking as Annabelle appeared holding a tray with variety of drinks. Moments later April and Izzy appeared behind her with plates of bite-sized morsels.

  “Let’s sit down,” Annabelle said as everything was placed on the coffee table. “Tell me what’s been happening with you, Connor. Have you made any progress with your neighbor’s land yet?”

  They settled in to enjoy the appetizers and raise their glasses in a Christmas toast, and glancing across at her, Connor could see April was beginning to relax. The children were sitting on the floor offering tidbits of wisdom, and an occasional dog or two wandered in and sniffed the air. The atmosphere was happy and comfortable, and Annabelle was about to check on things in the kitchen when the cacophony of dogs in the front yard announced another visitor.

  “I wonder who that is,” Lance frowned, rising to his feet and walking to the door. “Were you expectin’ anyone hon?”

  “No. It’s probably just someone stopping in to wish us Happy Christmas. Come on, Izzy, come and help me put everything into the serving dishes for the table.”

  Izzy jumped up, and followed by her brother and sister they disappeared with their mother.

  Lance stood in the foyer waiting until they were gone. He had seen the tell-tale blue and white car through the window, and when he opened the door and his eyes fell on the serious face of the police chief, he knew there was a good chance the happy day his family was enjoying had every possibility of being ruined.

  “Hey, Wes, what brings you out this way?” he asked managing a smile. “Come on in.”

  Hearing the words Connor felt his blood run cold and glanced across at April. She stared back at him in shock and fear.

  “I figured Connor would be joinin’ you,” the police chief said as he walked in, “and I hate to interrupt but I need to-“

  Stopping mid-sentence he stared at the pretty young woman in the living room.

  “It looks like I came to the right place,” he remarked moving forward. “Normally I don’t do these house visits, but old Henry Churchill insisted I take care of this personally.”

  “Wes,” Connor said, keeping his voice calm as he rose to his feet, “you have absolutely no idea what happened.”

  “You’re right about that,” the police chief nodded, “but I’m gonna find out. Young lady, are you April Sullivan?”

  “Yes, Sir,” she said shakily.

  “I’m Police Chief Wes Baxter, and I’m real sorry to do this on Christmas day, but I’ve gotta take you down to the station and ask you
some questions.”

  “About what? What am I supposed to have done?”

  “You’ve been accused of stealin’ a car and attackin’ a young man at the Churchill Chateau.”

  “Excuse me, Wes, what kind of attack?” Connor asked moving closer to him. “What exactly are they sayin’?”

  “The car she allegedly stole they found in a ditch not far from your bar, and they’re claimin’ she took a bronze statue and landed it squarely on Edward Churchill’s nose. They’ve got the bronze and the blood on it, and Edward’s got two black eyes. Will we find your prints on that bronze, April?”

  “Wes,” Connor continued, slightly raising his voice, “it wasn’t April, it was me who-“

  “Yes, you will my prints on that bronze,” April hastily interjected jumping to her feet.

  “April! What are you sayin’?” Connor demanded, spinning around and glaring at her. “You know very well-“

  “Daddy, what’s going on?”

  The little girl’s voice brought the conversation to a screeching halt, and looking into the living room, all three of them remained speechless as they stared back at Izzy’s worried face.

  “I’d like the answer to that question myself,” Annabelle declared walking up behind her daughter. “What is going on?”

  “We’ve got a bit of situation,” Wes said lowering his voice, then looked directly at the little girl. “I’m gonna to have to take April back to the station with me so we can talk privately.”

  “You can talk privately here. When mommy and daddy say they have to talk privately they go into their room and close the door. You can do that, can’t he mommy? I don’t want April to leave. I like her. I want her here for Christmas. I even have a present for her.”

  A heavy frown crossed the police chief’s face, and Connor could see the man was torn. Behind his stern facade, Wes Baxter’s heart was melting.

  “If I could just have a word outside,” Connor said politely, sensing an opportunity, “I think it would be helpful for everyone.”

  “I agree, I think you should take it out on to the front porch,” Annabelle said firmly, and though she was smiling, her eyes told them she didn’t want any more discussion in front of her youngster.